On Friday, October 22, 2011, Portland Community College's Technical Education Building at the PCC Cascade campus was officially renamed the Margaret Carter Technology Education Building, in honor of Senator Carter's continuous support of education throughout her career.  Commissioner Nick Fish and I attended the celebration and unveiling of the commemorative plaque.

Senator Margaret Carter set an historic precedent upon her election to the Oregon Senate in 1984, becoming the first African-American woman to hold office in the Oregon Legislative Assembly. She came to Oregon as a single mom several years earlier.  Prior to entering politics, she worked as an educator for many years.  Though retired from teaching and from the Legislature, Senator Carter remains committed to supporting and championing education-related initiatives.

The Oregonian published this account of the event, as well as an overview of Senator Carter's career. A detailed description of the celebration by Portland Community College can be found here.  Photo courtesy of Kayla Victor.